Oklahoma’s Defense, Mateer Lead Sooners Past Auburn in Thriller

AP

NORMAN, Okla. — In a high-stakes showdown between ranked teams, No. 11 Oklahoma edged No. 22 Auburn 24-17 on Saturday, highlighted by a dominant defensive performance and a clutch late touchdown from quarterback John Mateer.

Mateer, the Washington State transfer who replaced former Oklahoma signal-caller Jackson Arnold, passed for 271 yards and a touchdown while also scoring the go-ahead rushing touchdown on a 9-yard run with 4:54 remaining. The drive capped a six-play, 75-yard march that erased Auburn’s first lead of the game.

“It’s every quarterback’s dream to lead a game-winning drive,” Mateer said. “And doing it in our first SEC game made it even more special.”

The Sooners’ defense, led by R Mason Thomas and Jayden Jackson, tied a school record with nine sacks, including a safety on Arnold with just over a minute left. Oklahoma held the Tigers to 287 total yards and stifled their running game, limiting Auburn to 67 yards on 36 carries. Despite struggling with turnovers all season, the Sooners’ defense minimized the damage, allowing only nine points off six turnovers prior to this matchup.

Isaiah Sategna shined for Oklahoma, catching nine passes for 127 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown, while kicker Tate Sandell contributed three field goals. Auburn’s Jackson Arnold threw for 220 yards and a touchdown but was repeatedly pressured by Oklahoma’s relentless pass rush.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables praised his team’s grit. “Proud of our players: their determination, resolve, and ability to keep fighting back,” he said. “The defensive line played their hearts out, and that made all the difference.”

With the win, Oklahoma improves to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in SEC play, while Auburn falls to 3-1 and 0-1 in conference action. The Sooners now head into a bye week, unbeaten and with momentum building as they aim for a Top 10 ranking.